The Story of Cupid’s Hot Dogs

While much has changed in the Valley since 1946, one thing that hasn't is Cupid's, home of the Valley's signature chili dog. Cupid's was originally established in 1946 as Walsh's Hot Dogs by Richard and Bernice Walsh. Shortly thereafter Richard changed the name to Cupid's; which was Bernice's nickname. For nearly 40 years Richard and Bernice ran the North Hollywood, Van Nuys and Canoga Park locations.

In the early 80's their long haired surfer son Rick took over. In a bold and daring move he added ketchup and relish to the menu. His father was not happy about the changes and every curse word the Irish man knew came flying out of his mouth. He even threatened to cut his son's hair and close the place down. Luckily, a few days later he tried the new condiments and realized maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all. It only took four decades to change the Cupid's very simple menu to just a simple menu. Thus, was born the Triangle: mustard, onions and relish.

2009 brought on the 3rd generation of Walsh's to continue the Cupid's tradition. Sisters, Kelly and Morgan Walsh, have now taken the reins. They plan on staying true to their grandparents’ original vision of a simple menu with great food.

They've grown up behind the scenes of Cupid's eating hot dogs since their first tooth. Too short to reach the steamers, as kids they helped their dad with deliveries and always made sure to sample the product. During the 1994 Northridge earthquake their dad came to the Van Nuys location, cleaned out the fridge and fed the neighborhood. That sealed their fate as the most popular kids on the block.

Now they're tall enough to run the counter and love hearing your stories because you grew up with Cupid's as well. Pregnancy cravings, first dates and the perfect place to stop after cruising Van Nuys Blvd. Cupid's continues to maintain the high standards of quality and care that has kept Cupid's Hot Dogs a unique style of operation, as popular today as in their original days in North Hollywood, CA.

In 2021, the 75th anniversary, a new family has joined the Cupid’s journey. From the days of walking up to the Victory and Tyrone location for a Cupid’s special, we’ve been hooked. Bringing Cupid’s to the OC has always been a dream and now it is a reality. Working with the original family to bring the delicious dogs to Fullerton has been incredible. We are so grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the amazing Cupid’s chili dogs to legacy and new customers alike. Welcome to Cupid’s OC.